Masahiro Tanaka was diagnosed with a partially torn ligament in his throwing arm after being examined by three doctors, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Thursday.
Tanaka was placed on the disabled list by the Yankees Wednesday, a day after having his worst start of the season in a loss to the Indians. He flew into New York for an MRI, which apparently showed a partially torn UCL.
The tear has been categorized as small at this point, but Tommy John surgery is a possibility.
The Yankees will first try to have Tanaka rehab the elbow and see how it works. He will have a PRP injection in the elbow first.
Tanaka was a prized free agent from Japan whom the Yankees signed with a 7-year, $155 million contract. He looked fantastic while getting off to an 11-1 start, but he slipped recently and lost 3 of his last 4 starts.
Tanaka leads the AL with 12 wins and is fourth with a 2.51 ERA.
